Jeep Tour. Serres – Drama – Xanthi, 6 days

Jeep Tour. Serres – Drama – Xanthi, 6 days
from €

Meet The Unknown Northern Greece

3 National Parks, 4 Lakes, 2 Rivers, 2 Caves, Metaxa (underground) Fortress

A whole region unknown to most tourists and -perhaps- misunderstood. A region of long history lost in the depth of centuries. A crossroad of cultures and religions. Oriental and Western simultaneously.

A multicultural region, an exemplary coexistence of Christians and Muslims. (Xanthi & Komotini). Greeks, Romans, Jews, Ottomans – they all left their trace: customs, feasts, monuments both historical as well as religious, paths and bridges, unique mansions. The relics of the past create the history that surrounds us.

Let’s admire the architecture, the construction techniques, the lives of the people that lived in these beautiful old cities. Let’s taste the original, authentic flavors of an ancient culinary tradition. Let’s enjoy the beautiful unspoiled surroundings and the warm welcome of hospitable people – people that respect and evolve through diversity.

Highlights

Kerkini Lake (boat tour), Agistro hot springs, Metaxa underground fortress, Aggitis Cave, Elatia forest pic nic, Nestos lake, Manolesakis estate, Drama, Granitis village, Walking to Lepida and Agia Varvara watefalls, Rafting in Nestos River, Visiting Pomaki villages or Visiting Vistonis Lake, Porto Lagos, Ancient Avdira, Nestor river

Itinerary

Thessaloniki, Kerkini Lake (boat tour), Agistro hot springs

Pickup the 4X4 vehicles from Thessaloniki and drive to Kerkini Lake. Welcome drink and briefing on the lake. Boat tour at the lake. The magic of Lake Kerkini, the history of the area, together with the flora and fauna creates an unforgettable mixture. Watch flamingos, pelicans and cormorants. at their nests. Duration: 90'. (Available from March to September)

Coffee / lunch time. Accommodation at Agistro (hot springs) after the arrival in hotel we can use the thermal baths. (Day Total: 160km)

Metaxa underground fortress, Aggitis Cave

Departure for Metaxa underground fortress (both on and off road) – using dirty road and asphalt road we arrival in the Aggitis Cave (Periphery of Drama) overnight in Granitis village late in the afternoon. (Day Total: 160km)

Elatia forest pic nic, Nestos lake, Manolesakis estate, Dramam Granitis village

Departure for Nestos Lake using dirty road we enjoy the beauty of Rodopi Mountains arrival in Elatia Forest pic nic under the trees and near the cold water springs, return and visit the Manolesakis winery. Last stop in Drama, free time and we arrival in Granitis village overnight.(Day Total: 160km)

Two options: 1) Walking to Lepida and Agia Varvara watefalls. 2) Rafting in Nestos River

Departure, we cross Drama, after 20km we take the dirty road we enjoy the nature, arrival in Paranesti village we visit the museum of nature history. after that

A) Lepida Waterfalls (walking 30 - 45) and Agia Varvara waterfalls – Stone Bridges in Dipotama village using dirty road we arrive in Lepidas Forest and Alpine Meadows. Pic nic and return in Parnesti. Drive 50 km to Xanthi. Night walking in the old town.

B) Rafting in Nestos river (4h total).

Route: Platanovrisi - Paranesti (Drama Periphery). Specially made river boats of 6 -10 people and a river guide on every boat.

Rate of difficulty: 2-3.

Total time of activity: approximately 4 hours – 2 into the river.

Children over 11 are welcome as long as into the boat are at least 2 – 4 adults.

Meeting - Gathering at our Paranesti Base at 12.30'. Necessary equipment is provided (Neopren uniforms – life vests – helmets – rows). Transportation to the entrance into the river point (15'). Rules of safety and rowing instructions will be given by our river guides. The 2hour route is beautiful and exciting. Nestos is the 4^th largest river of Greece. At the beginning of the route are 4 impressive passages, later the beautiful Forest by the river and finally Paranesti (end of the route). Hot coffee and herbal tea from local herbs is served.

Note: Due to water flow (that is controlled by the Platanovrisi Dam) changes might occur during the activity. Worst and most rare case not to be able to make rafting.

Pic Nic and return in Parnesti. Drive 50 km to Xanthi. Night walking in the old town.

Two options: Visiting Pomaki villages or Visiting Vistonis Lake, Porto Lagos, Ancient Avdira.

A) Pomaki villages we visit Sminthi – Echinos using dirty road 30 km we arrival in Medousa and Thermes Village . visit the hot springs and enjoy a thermal bath. Lunch in local restaurant late in afternoon in Xanthi.
B) Vistonis Lake, Porto lagos Ancient Avdira sandy beaches and clean waters ( enjoy the swimming ) return of Xanthi in the afternoon. (Day Total: 100 km)

Nestor river, Nestos Path Aesthetic Forest – 1hour hiking

Departure from Xanthi – Nestos Path Aesthetic Forest – 1hour hiking. Swimming and pic nic at Nestos River. Overview of Nestos maiandrisms from the “View” position. You can also do watersports Canoe At Nestos Pass (Aeshetic forest, Canoe at Nestos Delta,

Arrival at Thessaloniki late in the afternoon.

(Day Total: 260km)

Places to visit

NOTES FOR THE JEEP TOUR:

The selected off road routes are approachable to all 4x4.
There is full briefing and guiding throughout the journey on any possible topic: History, Nature, Tradition, Customs, Culture, Food, Night Life etc
Local cuisine and products are selected.
Depending on the season, visitors have the possibility to see wild animals, to taste fruit of the forest (blackberries, raspberries etc), meet locals and their customs as well as take part in local traditional rites, feasts etc, or even enjoy sea-bathing at the Thracian Sea.